The International Baccalaureate (IB) offers two main programs for high school students: the IB Diploma Programme (DP) and the IB Career-related Programme (CP). Each program has its own set of specific requirements tailored to the unique goals and interests of students.
IB Diploma Programme (DP) Requirements:
- Subject Selection: Students must choose six subjects from different groups: Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, and The Arts. These include at least two languages, one science subject, and one mathematics subject.
- Core Components: In addition to the six subjects, students must complete three core components:
- Theory of Knowledge (TOK): This is a critical thinking course that explores the nature of knowledge and encourages students to reflect on the ways different disciplines approach understanding.
- Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): This component involves engaging in creative, active, and service-oriented experiences outside of the classroom, fostering personal growth and community involvement.
- Extended Essay (EE): Students write a 4,000-word research essay on a topic of their choice, allowing them to delve into independent research and academic writing.
- Assessment: Students are assessed through a combination of coursework, internal assessments, and final examinations. Each subject is graded on a 1 to 7 scale, and the maximum total points achievable is 45, including bonus points for the Extended Essay and TOK.
IB Career-related Programme (CP) Requirements:
- IB Courses: CP students take at least two Diploma Programme (DP) courses chosen from a selection of subjects. These courses provide a strong academic foundation in addition to the career-related components.
- Career-related Study: This is a central element of the CP, focusing on the student’s chosen career pathway. It includes specific courses, qualifications, or experiences that align with the student’s career goals.
- Personal and Professional Skills (PPS): This component helps students develop skills essential for success in their chosen career. These skills encompass communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and intercultural understanding.
- Reflective Project: Similar to the Extended Essay in the DP, the Reflective Project is an in-depth, independent research project that encourages students to explore real-world issues related to their chosen career path.
- Language Development: Students improve their language proficiency, which could be their native language or an additional language, to enhance their communication abilities in a professional context.
- Assessment: Assessment methods vary based on the Ib courses and career-related components selected by the student. Students are graded on a scale similar to the DP, and they receive an additional CP core points score.
Both the IB Diploma Programme and the IB Career-related Programme are designed to provide students with a holistic education, combining academic rigor with personal growth, skills development, and a clear pathway towards their chosen careers or further studies. The specific requirements of each program ensure that students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for success in various aspects of life.
